Changes for Josefina: A Winter Story

This book, though not my favorite of the series, is a good conclusion to Josefina's and her family's story. The six books in this series deal (among other topics) with the family's grief after the death of their mother. In this book, the family has 'closure.' While they still miss and love their mother, they are all ready to move on to happier times. This book will be best understood if some or all of the books in the series are read first.

The books are organized into life phases and seasons, and this book is a good read about a girl growing up in the southwest.

This is another one in the American Girls series about Josefina Montoya, a ten-year-old girl living in the New Mexico of 1824 (actually January of 1825). In this book, the Christmas season ends with a successful party. However, just as the new year begins with a high note, Josefina feels the world pulled out from under her when her aunt Dolores announces that she is leaving the rancho and returning to Santa Fe. They are happier with Tia Dolores living with them, and they know that their father is. And so, the sisters begin their scheming...The final chapter of this wonderful book is a highly informative look at the changes New Mexico experienced as it changed over the years. I must also mention that Jean-Paul Tibbles' lovely illustrations are an excellent addition to the story.This final book in the Josefina story is every bit as wonderful as the first one, and definitely maintains the American Girls' tradition of excellence. The story is exciting and entertaining, and I especially liked how the author wove Josefina's faith into it, making it appear the natural part of her life that it would have been. My daughter and I loved this book, and we both recommend it to you and your daughter.

About a girl named Josefina who lives in 1824. She is Mexican and lives on a ranch with her dad and sisters and aunt. Her mom died two years ago. Her aunt who she calls Tia Dolores is going to leave and Josefina wants her to stay. Will her daring plan work?

Josefina Montoya and her three older sisters are shocked when Tia Dolores, their aunt who came to help out the family after their mother died, is leaving the Montoya rancho to go live with her parents in Santa Fe. Josefina and her sisters know Tia Dolores belongs with them - but all their plans seem to make things worse, until Josefina finds the courage to speak up to her father, bringing changes for the whole family.